Trip

Upon our arrival to the lodge, we got settled and then explored the beach. That evening, we had a medical brigade training with the local staff and the doctor we would be working with on Wednesday. On Monday, after waking up, we headed over to the worksite and then got started by dividing up the main tasks. These included cement mixing, concrete block laying, and rebar sawing. I started by helping Willy, one of the contractors, providing him with blocks, and then eventually I sawed rebar. Afterwards, we ate lunch at this kind lady's home, and it was authentic and good. I was quite tired after lunch, so our productivity decreased, but after we headed back to the lodge, we hit the beach to cool off and hung out on the beach. 

On the second day, we had a long van ride to the Dudu lagoon. The area was beautiful, and we got to swim in the lagoon and even zipline over it, which was very fun. Afterwards, we explored the surrounding area and a nearby cave. We left Dudu and then headed to the beach, where we had lunch and got some good pictures. We then came back to the lodge and relaxed. I got the chance to go to the gym that evening, which was a change of scene. It was very vibrant, and the people were lively. We went to a convenience store after and got to buy some snacks and groceries. 

On the third day, we left for the medical brigade in La Grua. The drive was around two hours, and once we got there, we began setting up. We spent the next several hours helping locals by taking vitals, noting medical history, and diagnosing patients/prescribing medications. I started in the registration area, and it was relatively difficult at times to understand what patients were saying. I got some help from one of the nurses, and afterwards, I ate lunch. Then, upon my return, I helped with vitals and handing out medications. On the way back to the lodge, we stopped at a grocery store called Jumbo. I spoke with Dr. David Addison for some time at the lodge, and then we lit a bonfire and relaxed at the beach. We connected and bonded with each other over the fire, reflecting on our trip and life experiences.

On this day, we returned to the worksite. The work on this day was more laid back since there was only one bricklayer. I helped saw off some small bits of rebar, and we had lunch at the same place. After returning to the lodge, I finished my interview with Dr. Addison, and then we went back to the gym. We walked around the city and watched the great sunset. 

We woke up relatively late on the last day since it was relaxing. We left the lodge around 10 am and headed to Sosua. We went to the beach and went shopping, strolling around the city streets. I bought a few souvenirs, and then we swam at the beach. We headed back to the lodge, and we ate dinner and relaxed. I strolled on the beach and watched the sunset before winding down and waiting to leave for the airport in the early morning.